What is James Milner hoping to accomplish with Liverpool? Eight years later, we know all the answers to the question that was posed in 2015.
In Milner’s lengthy career, a new chapter is coming to an end. He is used to saying goodbye, but given his experience at Anfield, this one might be particularly bittersweet.
At Liverpool, Millie was a dependable leader, a demanding dressing room figure, and Jurgen Klopp’s go-to man. He even kept us entertained during lockdown, proving to be everything but Mr. Boring by dryly conveying his Yorkshire wit and self-awareness.
Although eight years have passed quickly, the Reds will be happy they pursued the 29-year-old midfielder back then.
Milner had plenty of options in 2015 when he was seeking for a new location to live when his contract with Man City expired and Arsenal was also interested in signing him
And still, he decided to go to Anfield. With Brendan Rodgers’ future uncertain, Steven Gerrard gone, and another season without Champions League football, the team was in peril.
At the time, City was more attractive and had a more dazzling package, but Liverpoool offered an opportunity, and his resentment at not having enough time in the starting XI was growing.
A free agent with winning experience was obviously valued at the moment, and the club naturally extended an appealing deal. This continued to hold true in the years that followed.
He was elected vice-captain by Rodgers after only a short time, only a few weeks, in fact, and that title has remained throughout his eight years with the team.
Back in 2015, when Rodgers made the announcement, he remarked, “He’s got big character and a big mentality, and I felt we needed that in the team to the extent that he will be the vice-captain.”
He was the Reds’ penalty taker in his first season, and he started 43 of the 63 games, nine for Rodgers and 34 for Klopp.
